Dutch chief public prosecutor Fred Westerbeke said Wednesday dozens of raids also netted about 2 million euros in criminal proceeds as well as drugs including ecstasy and cocaine. BKA figures show that in 2017, 14 organized crime cases were filed against members of Italian mafia groups, half of which were attributed to 'Ndrangheta. The AD said previous year that Dutch police had introduced a special police unit completely dedicated to fighting mafia activities on Dutch soil.

In Germany, the raids - which are part of Operation Pollino - are focused on the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia, where the mafia has traditionally had a large presence.

Two arrests were made in Luxembourg, and five in the Netherlands, Eurojust said.

O2 network down across Kent leaving thousands without data
O2 have assured customers that they are working as hard as possible to get the networks up and running as soon as possible. The problems seem to have started at around 8:00 AM this morning and are ongoing at the time this article was posted.

Federico Cafiero De Raho, a prosecutor in Italy, told the press conference that every year about 1.5 tons of cocaine are seized in just a single port in Italy, and said that 'Ndrangheta's smuggling operations in other European ports, such as Rotterdam and Antwerp, amount to "tons and tons of cocaine".

But he warned that it was "just a first step", saying the arrests were "nothing for the 'Ndrangheta, there are thousands of people who should be arrested and billions that should be seized".

Hoppe said the crime organization's drug trafficking operations are extensive and sophisticated, with the use of "human money mules and vehicles with special hiding compartments".

European police agency Europol called it a "decisive hit against one of the most powerful Italian criminal networks in the world".

Italian police arrested Settimo Mineo, 80, Tuesday, who authorities believe to be the lead Mafia boss who replaced the late Salvatore Riina.

Jeweller Mineo, 80, was detained with at least 45 others just before he was due to be appointed official heir to notorious mafia boss Toto Riina, who died in prison previous year.

Share this:

Hot News

Bob Dole Salutes President Bush One Last TimeDec 07, 2018 - 01:04
Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys says Bush had personally requested that the group sing " Amazing Grace " at his funeral. Dole, who is 95, was helped from his wheelchair to stand and salute his fellow World War II veteran.

Nation set to say goodbye to BushDec 07, 2018 - 00:40
I'm not that big a person. "I don't think anybody behaved badly", he said, recalling the bitter 2016 campaign between the two. This is not a funeral , this is a day of celebration for a great man who has led a long and distinguished life.

How to Watch XFL Team Reveal LivestreamDec 06, 2018 - 02:15
Team names, logos, colors, and players will be announced in the coming weeks and months. He said research indicates fans want more football, and they want to give it to them.

Fortnite's new Creative mode is Epic's answer to MinecraftDec 06, 2018 - 01:31
The studio has now shared the final teaser, and it hints that some rather big things are in store for Season 7 . The post has since been deleted, but no before archival bots on the website took a copy of the original text.

Meyer will not coach in college again. Believe itDec 06, 2018 - 00:52
He was forced to address speculation that he would step down and October 29 said he definitely planned to return next season. He lost star defensive end Nick Bosa to an early season-ending injury, and the Buckeyes' defense never fully recovered.

Stocks climb after US-China trade truce; oil price surgesDec 06, 2018 - 00:34
President Donald Trump said the trade truce he struck with China will have "BIG and FAST" benefits for USA farmers. The Chinese leader echoed Trump and said the meeting was "a manifestation of a personal friendship".

Odds out on Urban Meyer becoming Cleveland Browns head coachDec 05, 2018 - 01:08
What makes you think they didn't? And none of it was bad. "I have no further comment (regarding where he goes from here)". He came to Ohio State in 2017 after coaching for 17 years in the National Football League and college level.

Iran's missile program upsets United States war tacticsDec 05, 2018 - 00:59
Insisting it would only use missiles for defensive purposes, Iran has repeatedly rejected negotiations over its missile program. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said President Trump is building a new world order based on the foundation of American values.

British MPs wrangle ahead of momentous Brexit debateDec 05, 2018 - 00:46
Opponents believe the advice will reveal Attorney General Geoffrey Cox's misgivings about the Brexit agreement. The prime minister needs roughly 320 votes in the House of Commons to secure the approval of her deal.